We Belong to the Drum

by Sandra Lamouche, Azby Whitecalf (Illustrator)

Overview

The drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. We all belong to the earth and we all belong to the drum.

Nikosis grew up going to powwows with his family, happily immersed in music, dance and the sounds of the drum. But when he starts going to daycare, he doesn’t feel like he belongs. Nikosis cries every time his mother leaves him in the unfamiliar environment until, one day, she and the teachers use drums to help Nikosis find connection and comfort.

Inspired by her son’s experience—and her family's love of powwow music and dance—Indigenous educator and champion hoop dancer Sandra Lamouche shares this uplifting true story of the transformative effects of culturally safe and inclusive early childhood education.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459834378
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	05/16/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
Lexile:	AD520L (what's this?)
File size:	9 MB
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Sandra Lamouche is a Nehiyaw Iskwew (Cree woman) from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta. She is a wife, mother of two boys with braids, champion women’s hoop dancer, award-winning educator and two-time TEDx speaker. She has a bachelor of arts in Native American studies and is currently completing a thesis on Indigenous dance as a determinant of well-being. Sandra and her family live in Blackfoot Territory (Treaty 7), the heart of powwow country in southern Alberta.

Azby Whitecalf is a Plains Cree character designer and illustrator based out of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Treaty 6 Territory. They have a bachelor's degree in visual communication (character design) from the Alberta University of the Arts. An important part of their practice is creating accurate and positive representations of Indigenous Peoples and cultures and exploring what it is to portray Indigenous people in a way that captures their multidimensional identities. They are the illustrator of Buffalo Wild! Azby enjoys working with bright colors, strong contrast and fun shapes.

Editorial Reviews

A delightful picture book…Tells a classic family story of a child’s introduction to the world outside of their family and the growing pains involved. Lamouche sweetly emphasizes the importance of family and culture, particularly for Indigenous families.

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

This title exemplifies the importance of inclusion and belonging and offers a sense of community, whether it be with family, at cultural events or at daycare. The illustrations are bright, vivid, and joyful and they serve as a wonderful supplement to the text. Recommended for school, home and public libraries.”

Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Canadian Children’s Book News

This upbeat story, accompanied by exuberant watercolor illustrations, demonstrates the power of sharing and appreciating varying cultures.

Booklist

Bold watercolor illustrations clearly capture Nikosis’s many moods and energy of the drum…Recommended.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

An uplifting story of the transformative effects of a culturally safe and inclusive learning environment for children. This is a story that looks at early childhood development and the importance of acceptance for all cultures. Teaches young children about powwows and drumming while being very colourful and full of wonderful illustrations for all to enjoy.”

Indigenous Books for Schools

Flowing lines and colorful details to enliven this simple yet emotionally resonant story. ­Offering an appreciative glimpse of Cree culture and traditions, and a gentle message of ­inclusion, this is a welcome addition to the ‘first day of school’ shelves in school and public ­libraries.

School Library Journal (SLJ)